1. What should I use for perches? 2. How much roosting space do I need on the perches? 3. How high should my perches be? 4. How many nest boxes do I need? 5. How big should my nest boxes be? 6. How far off the ground should I place my nest boxes? 1. What should I use for perches? top Wooden perches should be 2" in diameter for regular sized chickens and 1" for bantams. Plastic or metal is too smooth for the chicken to grasp. You can also use branches for a more natural setting. Note: in cold climates, people use flat 2x4s for perches. That makes the chicken sit on its feet, keeping them warm. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 2. How much roosting space do I need on the perches? top You will need a minimum of 8" of perch space for each chicken. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 3. How high should my perches be? top The lowest perch should be 18-24" off the ground. There can be multiple perches - chickens will jump up from perch to perch. Some people use a "leaning ladder" perch arrangement. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 4. How many nest boxes do I need? top Generally, one box for every 4 hens. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 5. How big should my nest boxes be? top For larger breeds, a box 12" high, 12" deep and 14" high is fine. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 6. How far off the ground should I place my nest boxes? top 18" to 24" is a good height. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009

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